Scarecrows Application

If you have attended Riverfest in the past, you know Scarecrows are a big part of the festive décor. Businesses and civic groups in our community contribute scarecrows designed and decorated by their group or organization. Following Riverfest, the business or civic group is provided with an option to move its scarecrow to downtown Canton where they will be displayed throughout the month of October.

Kits will NOT be provided

Riverfest Scarecrow Rules

♦      You will be assigned a general area to set-up your scarecrow at Etowah River Park for Riverfest. You will also be assigned a 4’x4’ specific spot in Canton where you can display your scarecrow through October. Scarecrows MUST be set-up in the assigned spot in downtown Canton, as the City of Canton has designated specific areas where they can and cannot be displayed.

♦      Delivery and set-up of your scarecrow at Etowah River Park will take place on Friday, September 26, 2025. A time frame will be emailed to you the week before set-up. The Service League of Cherokee County will have someone to meet you and direct you to your assigned location. 

♦      You will pick up your scarecrow on Monday, September 29, 2025 between 7am-5pm, to move it to downtown Canton. Any scarecrows left in the park after Monday at 5pm will be disposed of by the City of Canton. Schools selecting the $30 level will need to pick up their scarecrow by Monday at 5pm, but not set-up in Canton.

♦      Awards will be presented at Riverfest for the Schooliest (school spirit), Top 5 overall scarecrows, and Honorable Mentions.

♦      You MUST maintain your scarecrow while it is displayed in Canton. Weather can quickly deteriorate displays. Any display that deteriorates due to lack of maintenance will be removed by the City of Canton. If used, all hay must be cleaned up from Canton when the scarecrow is removed. You will be contacted via email if your scarecrow requires maintenance. You will have 48 hours after the email to fix your scarecrow.

♦      All scarecrows, signs, and associated material must be removed from Canton by November 1st, 2025, unless notified of a prior removal date. If not removed by November 1st, 2025 your scarecrow will be disposed of for you with no option of return. 

Signage:

Businesses, nonprofits, schools, school groups, and individuals who register a scarecrow may advertise their organization, etc. with their scarecrow. Signs must be secured either to the ground or the scarecrow, and we request the sign be no larger than 2’ by 3’ to ensure it does not impede drivers’ ability to see traffic and pedestrians. The Service League will attach a small sign to each scarecrow with “Presented by” above our logo. No political signage promoting a candidate, political party, or issue will be allowed.

Building your scarecrow:

You may build your scarecrow any way you desire; weather-resistant materials are recommended as the chance of rain throughout October is high. To weatherproof your scarecrow, we recommend using plastic for stuffing or covering your stuffing in plastic bags.

Water soluble glue and tape (of any kind) are not weather resistant and are prohibited. PVC pipes must be glued to ensure integrity. We recommend using Gorilla/Super Glue, safety pins, hot glue, and other permanent ways to attach items to your scarecrow.

Securing your scarecrow:

Rebar will be provided by the Service League and is recommended to secure displays due to the potential for wind and rain. Scarecrows may also be secured in bales of hay, but all hay must be cleaned up in Canton when the scarecrow is removed. 

In Canton, scarecrows may be secured to trees and light poles but must be far enough from corners to ensure drivers do not mistake them for pedestrians at night. We recommend tying your scarecrow to a tree with twine/sisal rope to keep it secure and less likely for the wind to blow it over.